Federal Law
New OCR Resource: Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions
On October 4, 2022, The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a resource designed to remind school communities, including students, faculty, families, and educators, that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects students and employees from discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions. The regulations make clear that Title IX protects students and employees from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom, and the resource discusses issues such as discrimination and exclusion, medical and other benefits and services, leave policies, and more. Click here to access the resource document.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
On June 23, 2022, The U.S. Department of Education released its proposed amendments to regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. You can review the proposed regulations by clicking here.
Supporting Intersex Students Fact Sheet
In October, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released a “Supporting Intersex Students” fact-sheet, with relevant issues that can apply and resources supporting this student population. For OCR’s resource library and handouts for supporting the LBGTQI+ student community, please visit here.
Updated Guidance Regarding Use of Statements by Parties and Witnesses
On August 24, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued guidance regarding the Department of Education’s regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (as amended in 2020) and a federal district court’s decision in Victim Rights Law Center et al. v. Cardona, No. 1:20-cv-11104, 2021 WL 3185743 (D. Mass. July 28, 2021). The ruling vacated a provision restricting postsecondary schools’ use of statements by parties and witnesses. Click here to read the DOE/OCR guidance.
Questions and Answers on the Title IX Regulations on Sexual Harassment
On July 20, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released it’s Title IX Q&As regarding Title IX Regulations on Sexual Harassment. Click here to read the document in its entirety.
Notice of Interpretation
On June 16, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a Notice of Interpretation explaining that it will enforce Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to include: (1) discrimination based on sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination based on gender identity. Click here to learn more.
Executive Order 14021
On March 8, 2021, the Biden Administration issued Executive Order 14021 – Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free From Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity. Click here to learn more about EO 14021.
Executive Order 13988
On January 20, 2021, the Biden Administration issued Executive Order 13988 – Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation. Click here to learn more about EO 13988.
Title IX Regulations
On May 6, 2020, the US Department of Education issued new Title IX regulations that took effect on August 14, 2020. UT Health San Antonio, as a recipient of federal funding, is required to abide by all of these regulations which carry the force of law. Click here for FAQ’s regarding the Title IX regulations.
Title IX Training Materials
Title IX regulations require all training materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any facilitator involved in an informal resolution process, be made publicly available on the university’s website. In accordance with §34 CFR Part 106.45(b)(10), the applicable Title IX personnel training materials can accessed here or by visiting the Title IX home page and clicking on the corresponding box located near the bottom right of the page.